Bystander killed, another injured in west Houston METRO bus shooting, officials say

Manhunt underway after deadly Houston METRO bus shooting

An active manhunt is underway for a suspect following a deadly shooting that occurred on a Houston METRO bus on Wednesday afternoon. FOX 26's Karys Belger has the very latest. 

HOUSTON - A woman is dead, another person is hurt, and a suspect is on the run after a shooting on a METRO bus in Houston's Westchase area, police say.

Houston crime: Westchase-area bus shooting

What we know:

Officials say a call came in at about 2:30 p.m. Wednesday from METRO bus #2611 on Route 161.

The call came in from Walnut Bend and Richmond Road, near Beltway 8 and the Westpark Tollway.

Initially, METRO authorities said two male suspects boarded the bus and shot a female passenger. METRO Police Chief Ben Tien later reported that it may have only involved one suspect.

In a statement from Houston METRO, they said preliminary information indicated the suspect boarded the bus and fired a weapon toward two men who were already on board the bus. 

However, a bullet struck a female bystander who was not involved in the incident, Houston METRO said. 

The driver immediately stopped the bus and all passengers got off, including the suspect who allegedly ran toward a nearby apartment complex.

The victim was reportedly taken to a hospital with severe injuries, but has since been pronounced deceased.

Houston police also say a possible second victim showed up to a hospital from a private vehicle. Authorities at the scene tell FOX 26's Karys Belger that the male victim is "alive and talking."

Houston METRO bus shooting: FOX 26 photojournalist speaks on search for suspect

A woman died on Wednesday after being shot by a runaway suspect on a Houston METRO bus. FOX 26 photojournalist Darlene Janik-Faires described the scene as police searched for the suspect.

Police are looking for the suspect at the complex he apparently ran off to. Anyone at the complex is asked to share any information with police or Crime Stoppers (713-222-8477).

The suspect is described as a Black male between 17–20 years old who is about six feet tall. He reportedly has dreadlocks, and was last seen wearing a black hoodie, light gray shorts and slides.

NOTE: FOX 26 had a report of a person being taken into police custody. Houston police say some people matching the suspect description were detained, but the suspect remains at least as of 7 p.m.

What we don't know:

The victim has not been identified at this time. Authorities say she was a white woman in her mid 20s, but first responders are still working to identify her.

This is a breaking report. We will update when more information is available.

Community reaction

Following the deadly shooting, Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones released a statement on Wednesday evening, saying, "Today, a woman lost her life to senseless gun violence while riding a METRO bus in west Houston. My heart goes out to her family, and I am praying for them tonight. Public safety is my top priority, and I stand in solidarity with our law enforcement partners who are investigating this case. Justice must be served."